The French are changing their habits—especially when it comes to sports. By analyzing trends in Google searches, certain sports and activities are emerging with spectacular growth—sometimes from modest volumes, but signaling very clear dynamics. From traditional sports making a comeback to ultra-niche disciplines enjoying a breakthrough, here are the 12 sports that are set to explode in France in June 2025, according to data from Yourban Intelligence.
Summary
- Methodology
- Top 12 fastest-growing sports – June 2025
- Key trends shaping today’s sports
- What’s driving this momentum
- What it means for the future
Methodology
Unlike traditional rankings based on search volume, this one is built on percentage growth in search interest from 2024 to June 2025, tracked via Yourban Intelligence. It highlights emerging practices — some still marginal, others ready to scale.
Top 12 Fastest-Growing Sports in France – June 2025
- Chinese Martial Arts – +340%
A rediscovery of Tai Chi, Wing Chun, and traditional Kung Fu. These practices are gaining traction, especially among urban adults seeking discipline and focus.
- Rally Racing – +175%
A revival of motorsports in France, with renewed interest in local events, historic rallies, and rally driving courses.
- Esports – +124%
More than just watching — amateur participation is booming, with growing demand for local tournaments, esports training, and streaming careers.
- Freediving – +123%
Seen as an aquatic alternative to yoga or trail running: deep, meditative, and empowering. It reflects a shift toward “slow sports.”
- Arm Wrestling – +83%
Fueled by viral TikTok and YouTube content, this once-niche discipline is gaining visibility and new followers.
- Bodybuilding – +83%
Now more about lifestyle than competition. A new generation is engaging with accessible, aesthetic training—fueled by Instagram, but less showy.
- Pro Wrestling – +83%
Driven by WWE hype and social content, this blend of athleticism and entertainment is drawing new fans — and participants.
- Pickleball – +83%
The “American padel” is just starting to gain traction in France. Fun, easy to learn, and multigenerational — it’s a strong candidate for mass adoption.
- Kickboxing – +83%
Both a fitness trend and a confidence-builder. Popular with women and young professionals in urban gyms and boutique studios.
- Canoeing – +80%
A return to nature and slow exploration. More leisure than competition, with support from tourism boards and nature hubs.
- Public Swimming Pools – +50%
A resurgence in local, accessible spaces for sport, relaxation, and community. Often the first step before joining a club.
- Aquagym (Water Aerobics) – +50%
Modernized with YouTube tutorials and group classes. Gaining younger audiences for its low-impact cardio and social aspect.
Key Trends in Sports – 2025
- Slow, introspective sports: freediving, martial arts, aquagym
- Revived traditional formats: arm wrestling, wrestling, rallying
- Community + visibility: esports, public pools, pickleball
- Hybrid, aesthetic, or expressive movement: bodybuilding, kickboxing, freediving
What’s Next?
- Public sports facilities will reemerge as active community spaces
- Local clubs must modernize to attract new audiences
- Brands should invest early in rising micro-sports
- Passionate micro-communities will increasingly influence the mainstream
This top 12 highlights a major cultural shift in how the French engage with sport. It’s no longer about rigid institutions or high performance — it’s about identity, exploration, visibility, and belonging. These aren’t just trends — they’re signals of a deeper, more personal, and more connected way of moving through the world.
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